MG officially launches in South Africa with 3 new cars – Pricing and specifications

The iconic carmaker MG has finally returned to South Africa, squeezing its launch into the final days of 2024.

The British nameplate, now owned by the Chinese company SAIC, has officially opened its doors with three different models on offer – the ZS, HS, and Cyberster.

MG ZS

The ZS is the cheapest model in the new MG family, taking the form of an entry-level crossover with a price tag below R300,000.

It is available in two specifications at launch – Comfort and Luxury – with both models sharing a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.

This gives the ZS a reading of 84kW and 150Nm, which is sent down to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox, resulting in an average fuel consumption of 7.1l/100km.

Standard equipment on the Comfort includes roof rails, remote central locking, all-electric windows, heated electronic side mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel, manual aircon, cloth seats, four speakers, Bluetooth, cruise control, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring, hill start assist, and six airbags.

The Luxury then adds a few nice-to-haves such as leatherette upholstery, six speakers, a reverse camera, and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

MG HS

The HS is a midsize SUV, making it a competitor to the likes of the VW Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, or Toyota Rav4.

Like the ZS, the HS is available in both Comfort and Luxury grades, but is sold with two different engines for a total of four derivatives at launch.

The base units are fitted with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol block with 125kW and 275Nm, which is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, leading to an average consumption of 6.9l/100km.

There’s also a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo mill, which generates 170kW and 370Nm and benefits from a nine-speed dual-clutch box, using 7.3l/100km in the process.

As for its features, the Comfort models are offered with items like a 12.3-inch dual display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an electronic parking brake, rain sensor wipers, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, keyless entry, perforated leatherette upholstery, six speakers, and automatic aircon.

This is on top of an extensive driver assistance suite comprising electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, corner brake control, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, hill control, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, intelligent cruise control, and seven airbags.

The Luxury models then throw in a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, eight speakers, front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charger, and electronically-adjustable heated front seats.

MG Cyberster

Finally, there’s the Cyberster, which offers an entirely different experience as a two-door electric sports car.

In South Africa, the electric vehicle is being offered exclusively in its flagship all-wheel-drive form, combining a 375kW front motor and a 250kW rear motor.

This allows the roadster to sprint to 100km/h in a blistering 3.2 seconds, while its top speed caps out at 208km/h.

Power is sourced from a 77kWh battery, which affords a driving range of 443km.

This cell can support both a 7kW AC charger, and a 144kW DC fast charger.

A few of the Cyberster’s other highlights include one-pedal driving, 20-inch machined alloy wheels, launch control, four driving modes for Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Super Sport, a dual-display, a flat-bottom leather Sports steering wheel, and a soft-top convertible roof that can open and close in 15 seconds at a speed of up to 50km/h.